Friday 10 July 2009

THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS PARADE IN GLASGOW.

THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS PARADE IN GLASGOW.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have marched through Glasgow to thank the Scottish people for their support during tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was their first parade in the city since the Royal Scots Greys, their antecedent regiment, left for the South African War in 1899.

There was also a display of armoured vehicles in the city's George Square.

Scotland's only cavalry regiment is back in Scotland for the Year of Homecoming.

The regiment, which is normally based in Fallingbostel in Germany, is carrying out royal guard duties on its first return to Scotland in eight years.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards was formed in 1971 from the Royal Scots Greys and the 3rd Carabiniers. The regimental headquarters and museum are still at Edinburgh Castle.

Pipes and drums

Its soldiers have been deployed on all major operations, including the Gulf war, Bosnia and Kosovo.

It was the first regiment in the British army to use the Challenger 2 battle tank and the first to fire its guns against the enemy in Iraq in 2003.

About 150 soldiers paraded through the city along with the Brit Award-winning pipes and drums.

Special guests of the regiment included Glasgow's deputy lord provost and Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy.

Full story at;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8142985.stm

Thursday 9 July 2009

GOLF'S GREATEST PRIZE - THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLF'S GREATEST PRIZE - THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

The Open Championship
Scotland is recognised as the birthplace of Golf and The Open Championship will provide one of the focal points for the year of Homecoming in 2009. The 138th staging of The Open Championship, golf's oldest major, will find The Champion Golfer of the Year in 2009 at Turnberry. The venue is legendary for golf fans, recalling the famed Duel in the Sun in 1977 when Tom Watson finally triumphed over Jack Nicklaus on the 72nd and final hole of the Championship.

Enjoy Homecoming Day, the final practice day (Wednesday 15th July) at Turnberry and roam the course prior to the start of the famous Open Championship. Try your luck at our Homecoming putting competition or get close to the Claret Jug and give yourself a lasting memory of the day.

The Claret Jug is without doubt the most famous trophy in the game of golf. Commissioned in 1872 but completed in 1873, this elegant trophy – officially called the Golf Champion Trophy – was first presented to Tom Kidd, the 1873 champion, but Kidd was not the first name to be inscribed on it. That honour went to Young Tom Morris, the 1872 champion, even though the trophy had not been completed when he won the event.

Where and When
Start Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009
Address: Ailsa Course, Turnberry Resort
Postcode: KA26 9LT
Local Authority Area: South Ayrshire
Region: West Central Scotland

Contact Details
Official Event Website:
http://www.opengolf.com

Tickets

http://www.randa.org/bibitopentickets

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL - FEIS CHEILTEACH INNSE GALL

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL - FEIS CHEILTEACH INNSE GALL

THE HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATION STARTS ON THE 15TH JULY - 18TH JULY 2009.

An amazing four day festival set against a unique cultural backdrop.

Surrounded by stunning scenery, amidst a hugely welcoming community, we invite all to the 14th annual Hebcelt party!

Join us for this year's celebrations...
Website information;
http://www.hebceltfest.com/

HIGHLAND GAMES EXTRAVAGANZA - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

Bridge of Allan, Callander, Killin, Lochearnhead

Situated in spectacular settings, the Stirling area plays host to an annual selection of high quality Highland Games throughout the summer months. The games offer a full athletics programme, including heavyweight competitions, highland dance performances and competitions, pipers and tug-of-war with several events featuring family funfairs too.

Locations and dates:

Callander International Highland Games - 25-26 July
Lochearnhead Highland Games - 25 July
Killin Highland Games - 29 July
Bridge of Allan Highland Games - 2 August

Where and When

Start Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
End Date: Sunday, August 02, 2009
Address: Bridge of Allan, Callander, Killin and Lochearnhead
Local Authority Area: Stirling
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.visitstirling.org

CLASSIC MALTS CRUISE - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

CLASSIC MALT CRUISES - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

The annual Classic Malts™ Cruise attracts sailors from around the world to the famous scenery and distilleries of Scotland's West Coast. From Oban to Talisker, and back south to Lagavulin, the sheltered sites of the distilleries remain a welcoming haven and places of great hospitality for sailors.

Where and When
Start Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Address: Oban, Skye and Islay
Local Authority Area: Highland
Region: Highlands and Islands

Contact Details
Official Event Website:
http://www.worldcruising.com/classicmaltscruise

Saturday 4 July 2009

ALVA GAMES CLACKMANNANSHIRE.

The Famous Alva Games.

The Famous Alva Games, the last surviving games and sports in Clackmannanshire, is proud to support Homecoming. Attracting visitors from all over the globe, the games consist of the traditional events including cycling, highland dancing, heavy weight events and the crowning glory - four hill races run over Torry.

Where and When

Start Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Address: Johnstone Park, Alva
Local Authority Area: Clackmannanshire
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.alvagames.co.uk

T IN THE PARK - TAYSIDE

Scotland's biggest music festival hosts a spectacularly eclectic bill of over 180 home-grown and international artists who play over 12 stages. Add in 80,000 of the best music fans in the world, four days of entertainment, gastronomic delights and you have the ingredients for a very special Homecoming event indeed.

Where and When

Start Date: Friday, July 10, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Address: Balado Airstrip
Local Authority Area: Perth and Kinross
Region: Tayside

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.tinthepark.com
Phone: 08444 999990

SCOTTISH OPEN GOLF.

The Barclays Scottish Open

For a week in July the eyes of the golfing world focus on one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet. Come and witness the world's greatest golfers in breathtaking competition on the majestic Loch Lomond course.

Where and When

Start Date: Thursday, July 09, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Address: Loch Lomond
Local Authority Area: West Dunbartonshire
Region: West Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.barclaysscottishopen.co.uk

I KENT HIS FAITHER.

'I KENT HIS FAITHER'

: Musselburgh's People Past and Present

'I kent his faither' celebrates the contribution that Musselburgh's people have made to major events through the ages. With over two thousand years of history, from the Romans to the present day, Musselburgh's Homecoming Scotland 2009 story is of golf, historic national figures, industrial developments, world-wide links and much more.

Where and When

Start Date: Monday, July 06, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Start Time: 10:00 am
End Time: 5:00 pm
Address: The Old Town Hall, Musselburgh
Postcode: EH21 7BZ
Local Authority Area: East Lothian
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.musselburghmuseum.org.uk
Phone: 0131 665 6642

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Cupar Highland Games

Cupar Highland Games provides an afternoon of 'Scottish' entertainment for Homecoming year. Enjoy a great day out in this picturesque town on the East Coast of Scotland with pipe bands, Highland Dancing, heavyweight competitions, track & field events and much more.

Where and When

Start Date: Sunday, July 05, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 05, 2009
Address: Duffus Park, Cupar
Postcode: KY15 4HY
Local Authority Area: Fife
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.cuparhighlandgames.org

The Scottish Game Fair

The Scottish Game Fair held in the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace provides a wide range of entertainment for all the family during Homecoming year. Soak up the lively and friendly atmosphere, hunt for bargains, learn more about the Scottish countryside and see a huge variety of displays, competitions and demonstrations.

Where and When

Start Date: Friday, July 03, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 05, 2009
Address: Scone Palace, Perth
Postcode: PH2 6BD
Local Authority Area: Perth and Kinross
Region: Tayside

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.scottishgamefair.com
Phone: 01828 650639

PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Normally spread over two days the Portsoy boat festival has been extended to four days this year to celebrate the Homecoming Scotland year.
The cost per person this year has been reported as being eight (£8) pounds per person per day. For this you will see how the people of the North East now live including visitor crafts from overseas and at home.
There was one year which crafts of one lady making clothing out of dog hair, the lady had been especially brought in from Scandanavia.
Maritime plays an important role in the Scottish North East and it always shows at the Portsoy Boat Festival, and for those visiting for the first time, it will be like stepping back in time as the streets and hills in the Town heading for the Old Portsoy Harbour are as near original as possible.
Portsoy, where the celebrations are held welcome visitors in their thousands each and every year with specially designated car parks and directional signs everywhere.
The normal Portsoy boat festival usually ends with a Boat Festival dance, traditional music and the international flavour makes the Portsoy Boat Festival very popular with visitors.

Where and When

Start Date: Thursday, July 02, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 05, 2009
Address: Various venues throughout Portsoy
Postcode: AB45 2QD
Local Authority Area: Aberdeenshire
Region: Grampian

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.scottishtraditionalboatfestival.co.uk
Email: contact@scottishtraditionalboatfestival.co.uk
Phone: 01261 842951

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS UPDATED FOR JULY 2009.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS UPDATED FOR JULY 2009.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATES THE SCOTTISH PERTHSHIRE HILL RALLY

Homecoming Scotland month of July is amazing with special Homecoming Events all over Scotland.
July kicks off with;
Scottish Perthshire Hill Rally - this is the 15th Year of the U.K.'s now premier Cross Country vehicle rally.
Venue;
Where and When
Start Date: Friday, July 10, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Address: Across Perth
Local Authority Area: Perth and Kinross
Region: TaysideInformation website;
http://www.scottishhillrally.co.uk
FREE!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 - ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME

ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME First Minister, Alex Salmond celebrates Scotland at launch of ‘exceptional’ Homecoming 2014 programme An all-star concert to herald the opening of the Ryder Cup, a huge flotilla to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge, Europe’s biggest brass band festival and a thrilling re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn are just some of the spectacular events that will form Scotland’s 2014 Year of Homecoming, it was announced today. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond officially unveiled the first phase of the year-long programme of events at Hopetoun House, near South Queensferry, alongside Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland. VisitScotland and EventScotland are working in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver Homecoming 2014 - an opportunity for communities nationally and internationally to explore Scotland and celebrate the very best of Scottish culture. Around 100 events were unveiled at the launch, with hundreds more expected to be unveiled over the next few months. This includes many new events, established events which will have a new homecoming element for 2014 and those that have joined through the partner programme to benefit from in-kind marketing. The five themes for Homecoming 2014 - active, food and drink, creative, natural and ancestry are all represented. Brand new events include the John Muir Festival in East Lothian to herald the opening of the John Muir coast to coast route, the Forth Bridges Festival to mark its 50th anniversary, a spectacular Ryder Cup Opening Concert, the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival in Moray, the World Sheepdog Trials in Tain and the European Festival of Brass based in Perthshire. Many existing events, including Hogmanay, Edinburgh Festivals, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, the Edinburgh Mela Festival, the Royal National MOD, the Turriff Show, the East Neuk Festival, the Outdoor Orkney Festival and Tweedlove Bike Festival will receive funding for new and exciting Homecoming additions to their planned programmes for 2014. With around 50 million people around the world claiming Scottish heritage, diaspora and clan-related events form a key part of Homecoming. These include around 30 events, including the celebrations to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, the Aboyne Highland Games, the Inverness Highland Meeting 2014, the 10th Clan Munro International Gathering, the Dunfermline Bruce Festival and Piping Live!. An events fund of £3m will provide a stunning all-year-round programme of activity to complement the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games and it will be backed by a £1.75m marketing campaign by VisitScotland which will promote Homecoming 2014 at home and abroad.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND - VISIT SCOTLAND OFFICIAL ACCOMODATION TELEPHONE BOOKING NUMBERS.

Visit Scotland Contact Centre have set up two "Hotline", telephone numbers for booking accommodation for overseas visitors and U.K. based residents.
The Visit Scotland Contact Centre telephone numbers have been set-up especially for Homecoming Scotland 2009 overseas visitors and U.K. residents. These numbers are also for every day tourists to our beautiful Scotland wishing to find the best holiday accommodation guided by the Visit Scotland reputation.
The telephone numbers will inform the enquirer about all types of accommodation including costs, and can give general information on all aspects of anything Scottish.
Overseas visitors please telephone;
0044 1506 832121 which is a direct line.
U.K. residents please telephone local rate;
0845 2255121
http://www.visitscotland.com
For more general information to Homecoming Scotland events;
http://www.homecomingscotland2009blog.com/HOMECOMING_SCOTLAND_2009_EVENTS_PROGRAMME.htm
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A TRAVEL PLANNER FOR LOCAL SCOTTISH TRANSPORT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.